Submitted by
tamene
a Weekend Warrior
from fort collins, colorado Date Reviewed: October 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any trail near fort collins
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
every thing....maestro suspension is super tunable, its got a lot of blings coming stock on it. this bike made me a better rider overnight i cant believe the spots i am able to clear and ride over with it...it inspires confidence and eliminates the un-avoidable mistakes (ouch!)a person my age (50 years old) is capable of making on the trail without suffering the full consequences. the annodized silver is beauuutifulll.
Weaknesses:
the race face pedal came loose on my second ride...the bottom bracket seal was found broken. my bike is a 2008 XO; meaning that it was boxed up in for over 2 years and the seal may have dried up.
Similar Products Used:
other full suspension bike used for the last three years
Bike Setup:
stock XO...changed out saddle and the long stem for better fit/comfort
Bottom Line:
got this bike after doing considerbale reaerch for quality fit and price. fianlly happy i got a keeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marco fantauzzi
a Weekend Warrior
from newark, n.y Date Reviewed: August 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Easy to setup, climbs like a hardtail. Will not make you faster, but a better rider.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
giant vt one.
Bike Setup:
stock except for the saddle wtb lazer ti, stem seatpost switched out for thomson, and crankset is now shimano xt. full shimano drivetrain the way it was intended to work.
Bottom Line:
I rode a giant vt one which was awesome. The trance xo blows the vt out of the water. I also feel bad I didn't purchase it at my LBS but I paid a grand less than what they wanted on ebay. Bike is flawless!! This one is a keeper for awhile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gtrantow
a Cross Country Rider
from Basalt, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 20, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2560.00
Purchased At:
Basalt Bike and Ski
Strengths:
Excellent components on lightweight DW-Link~ish frame. Frame is brushed to avoid scratches and extra weight.
Large frame bike weighed 26.3 lbs sans pedals, but with tubes.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Spyder (owned), Yeti 575 (tested)
Bike Setup:
2008 XO Build Kit-- Mavic Crossmax ST, Fox F120RL, XTR/XT with Race Face is great stuff.
Bottom Line:
Very happy with Trance XO. If racing XC I would go with 4" travel bike, but for endurance rides and comfort this is a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
christian Lindsey
a Weekend Warrior
from athens,ga,usa Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
chicopee
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
good components. good suspension.
Weaknesses:
terrible stock seat. a bit heavy.
Bike Setup:
stock except changed to more comfy wtb saddle, race face flat bar, thomson seatpost (if you've ever had a seatpost break under you you will understand!). xtr rear. xt front. avid 7s. raceface crank. crankbrothers. mavic crossride. panaracer fire xc.
Bottom Line:
Look all of these name brands at the various price points are pretty equivalent. If you get a name bike you get what you pay for component wise and ride wise. It's cool to have so many to choose from. One can't go wrong.
This giant is a good choice. solid components. though i prefer sram to the giant's xtr, the xtr has been surprisingly good. This bike steers and climbs well, and looks good too. The real beauty is the suspension. It is easy to calibrate to a rider's style and to the terrain with the rp23's multiple adjustments. Set it like you like and it floats over terrain with little energy lost to bob.
i hated not buying from my go to guys at sunshine here in athens, but it was near brand new on ebay for $900 below new price.
i rode this bike the last half of last season. early in this second season of riding i'm really starting to appreciate what this bike has to offer. y'all be safe out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tbone
a Cross Country Rider
from Loveland, CO US Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
Breakaway Cycles
Strengths:
This bike has five inches of travel and weighs in at 26.5 lbs. It climbs very well and I have done a five foot drop with it. The mavic st wheelset, xtr, avid juicy seven brakes, and fox suspension are outstanding.
Weaknesses:
I have replaced the race face stem and crankset. The stem appeared to be flawed and the crankset was noisy.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Yeti AS-R
Bike Setup:
The way it came except for the crankset and stem. I am not a fan of Race Face.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. It climbs with ease and floats downhill. I am a better rider with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graeme Skinner
a Weekend Warrior
from Geelong, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: March 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Forrest, You Yangs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7000.00
Purchased At:
De Grandi Cycle & Sp
Strengths:
Versatility, light weight, perfect frame geometry
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
XTR group set, Fox Talas 32 RLC, Avid Elixer, Fox Float RP23
Bottom Line:
After riding race orintated bikes for 10 years I decided to go for something more fun orintated. The Trance X0 really hits the mark. It climbs every bit as well as my previous bike (Giant Anthem) and when pointed downhill it flys. The Trance X0 has a very relaxed and stable feel about it on the way down, soaks up rocky sections, loves jumps and drop offs. The 15mm through axle is brilliant, as is the rear end, no flex whatsoever. I love the new Talas forks, wind them down to 100mm and this bike climbs like a goat.I'd have to say this is the most fun I have ever had on a bike. While paying top dollar for this bike due to the weak Australian dollar I have no regrets. If you're looking for an all rounder, capable of all day epics and mixing it up with some gnarly downhill stuff you won't find anything better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crazy horse
a Weekend Warrior
from scotland Date Reviewed: February 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
fort william
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
paulscycles.co.uk
Strengths:
value for money! got it for £1650 in nov. 08 £700 off rrp(the 09 costs £3500!!) the bike is amazing to ride anywhere and its the best looking bike Ive seen.
Weaknesses:
watch the cable ties dont cut into the cables near rear sus. cut them off and put new ones on less tight.
Similar Products Used:
marin mount vision
Bike Setup:
Giant bred a real beauty here Im not changing a thing!
Bottom Line:
Im so happy with this bike, it gives you a real buzz riding! hope to have it for 20 years at least!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
England's Raging Bull
a Cross Country Rider
from Cotswolds - UK Date Reviewed: January 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Leckhampton, Cwm Carn, Cannock Chase
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
www.paulscycles.co.u
Strengths:
Great climber due to low weight, strong and steady on the downhills, RP23 is perfect for both needs. Looks are awesome and it always gets admiring glances. Glad I didn't go for the Trek EX9!!
Weaknesses:
None really, saddle is quite hard but very light so will let it off! Would have been nice to have the For RLC over the RL but small points.
Standard XTR / RF Deus set up, running Specialized Storm tyres due to the very wet clay we have here at the moment, will put the Nevagals back on in the Summer! Crossmax ST's are awesome!
Bottom Line:
Bought in the 08 sales in Jan 09. Got it for £1600. Over £750 off RRP.
Sold my 08 Spesh Stumpy FSR Expert, the one with the brain but found that for my weight (18.5 stones) it was not effective, the lockout was great but when open it seemed very sharp. I like to have some more control over the shocks operation. It was also quite heavy and felt hard to climb on. Toss up between the Trek EX9 or the Trance X0. Trek performed well but just felt it was not as exciting, light or well equipped as the Giant. The Crossmax wheels are perfect and the bike just generally feels more planted, stiffer and lighter. It is a joy on faster singletrack due to the planted feel but it is so easy to unweight and get it flying around.
The is a brill bike, if you can find one, track it down and you will not be disapointed, a great feeling and fast bike!
At any price this is an awesome bike but I am pleased I picked up the 08 for a bargain price new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff W.
a Weekend Warrior
from Agoura CA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cheseboro
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Agoura Cycles
Strengths:
Light weight frame, plush suspension that can easily lock out for climbing, great brakes, great wheels. Fantastic all-around bike that can handle various kinds of riding.
Weaknesses:
WTB Devo seat is light but very firm. I had to change it out to my older softer WTB seat
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur. My old Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0
Bike Setup:
Standard XO setup: XTR rear, XT front,XT shifters Fox 32 120 mm travel front fork and fox RP 23 5" travel rear shock, Avid Juicy 7 disc brakes, Mavic Crossmax ST wheels, Kenda Nevegal tires. Eggbeater Candy C pedals.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike! It's very similar to the Blur but $1000+ less. Compared to my Jamis (great bike for the $)it climbs much better due to reduced weight and lock out. It's a great all-around bike, good for long climbs but lots of fun on downhills and technical terrain. You can do some hucking on this bike but w/ 5" of rear travel big drops are probably not a good idea. Comfortable for long rides (other than original seat) I can get the bike up steep technical rocky sections much better than my Jamis. Weight was about 26-27 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtysac
a Cross Country Rider
from Yorkshire Date Reviewed: October 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Afan white levels
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$8000.00
Purchased At:
Evans
Strengths:
Light, bounce free, climbs well downhills excellently
Weaknesses:
XTR crank, Raceface carbon bars and seat post. XTR crank not stiff and ring wear out fast.
Similar Products Used:
Trek EX9, Kona Dawg, Giant Reign, Trek Elite 9.9, Trek fuel 9.9, Scott Scale 40, Trek Session 88, Kona Kula 2-9, kona hei hei supreme, Kona stinky air, scott scale 10, iron horse sunday, in other words alot.
Bike Setup:
Fox F120 RL forks 08, Fox RP23 08, XTR F/R mechs, cassette and shifters, KCNC Ti chain, I-links cables, KCNC Pro Ti seat post, KCNC SC wing stem, Easton EC90 SL CNT lower risers, Race Face Deus XC cranks with team rings and 40T bash guard, Hope Mono Mini 08 levers and callipers, Hope 203mm floating rotors F/R, Hope mounts with Ti Bolts, BBE carbon bottle cage, Hope Grip doctors, Control tech Ti racelite skewers, Mavic 08 Crossmax SLR wheel set QR front, goodridge carbon look braided hoses, Crank brother 4Ti egg beaters. Selle SLR saddle.
Bottom Line:
I have an 09 trance XO demo, that I have upgraded big time. Th carbon stuff is junk, the KCNC parts saved me well over 3/4 a lb and the easton bars another 100 grams. The crank gained me 20 grams but is much longer lasting and stiffer than the XTR stuff.
The cables got that weight back. I saved another 100+ grams on the skewers and another on the pedals. I gained a bucket load of stopping power and only 150 grams with brakes but the forks dropped me 350 grams because talas forks are junk when compared to the plush travel of the F series. Ti Bolts throughout saved me over 20 grams and so my bike is light for a none carbon (non-flextastic) bike. It comes in at roughly a 3lb lighter than the stock 09 bike which means its a very light 5" full sus. Wheels and tryes saved about a lb. Yes this bike know weighs under 23lbs with out sweat and blood. However it cost alot.
It rides amazingly well and frankly I'd say don't bother with a reign just get this lighter bike and monster everything faster. I have bottomed it out a fair bit but to be honest I'll put in a few extra PSI. There is no bounce, no drama it just rides like excellently. It is the best full sus bike I have every thrashed, and it has done a lot more than it was ever built for. I have downhill raced this thing and done very very well with it, it hurt a bit but the bike coped without braking and that in itself is an achievement. It has also seen XC racing and enduro and come through with flying colors.
This bike rocks it really does, two months ago I would have said buy the trek EX9 but know I would not even think about the trek, this is a truly rockin trail bike that you can push and push and basically do anything with its an all mountain bike thats lighter than the all mountain class and therefore you will go faster and love the bike for it. Giant have nailed it big time.
This is the best bike I have owned bar none.
My carbon statement:
Unless you race XC only and do nothing that gets your heart racing then forget carbon. To use carbon that allows you to through it off drop offs and downhill you will find it is actually heavier than scandium. Scandium will take the hits and last longer if you want the excitement. Carbon will not be lighter for many reasons but primarily because carbon is only strong in one direction, therefore to cope with big hits it has to be a lot thicker than scandium alloy and as a result ends up weighing more. Titanium is strong still but has serious issues with forging and and machining. Infact scandium is so strong that hard tail types whinge that it is so stiff and hard it gives them arse and back pain. What I am trying to ay is that this XO is the very best Alloy bike with full sus every built.
So thats my opinion take it as you will and frankly if you don't buy this bike its price range than you will know about it, because a Trance Xo rider will pass you on the climbs and then weight for you to hit the downhill and pass you again just for fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
newhue
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane Australia Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Tom Wallace Cycles
Strengths:
11.75kg for a 5 inch duelly is great. Giant have really put a great package together. The brakes are awesome, geometry is racy but relaxed for fun, and after lowering the stem two spacers it climbs really well. The brushed and blasted finish to the alloy frame looks great and gives you a bit of bling value.
Weaknesses:
Cable mounts on the rear suspension linkage. If the standard zip ties are to tight the mount can eat your cables in one ride. I simply replaced the zip ties with looser ones.
Bike Setup:
Basically standard, changed the bars to Race Face Next carbon low rise, and Fizik Gobi seat. Came with Maxxis Crossmarks, ye ha.
Bottom Line:
I came from a reasonably high end hard tail, I can't believe how changing your bike can improve your riding out of site. The suspension accommodates what ever you dare to throw at it. Being able to run lower tyre pressures it rails beautifully and changes direction effortlessly. I went to buy the X1, probably better value for the money, but the price on this became so attractive I could not walk away from it. This bike does everything well, that's why there are so many out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howie03
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Yarramundi, Ourimbah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4030.00
Purchased At:
bikeaddiction
Strengths:
You get an awesome spec for the price, nothing else comes close. Its feels light for a 5 inch travel bike. The suspension works beautifully on this bike, by setting the pedal platform and lock out on the fork my climbing instantly improved, it also eats up technical sections.
Weaknesses:
We have been experiencing crap weather so the trails have been very wet and muddy - not a problem, except when dropping into the granny gear on steep climbs or uphill technical sections where I have experienced a fair bit of chain suck which drives me nuts especially in a recent 100km enduro event. Easily fixed by carrying some lube when the trail is wet, I'm not even sure if it’s attributable to the bike. I'm going to get the guys to have a look next time I'm in the shop.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg Dee-Lux
Bike Setup:
It took me a little while to get it dialed, I'm 6ft 3 inches and ride the XL frame. I felt high at the front initially and ended up reversing a 7 degree 120mm stem; this got me in a good position. I also changed to tubeless and put on some 2.3inch Maxxis Ignitors. It's all good.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike and am really enjoying the ride, I have found my riding has improved, especially my climbing. Overall I'd say if you are into general trail riding in an area which has a bit of rough stuff and you like the odd endurance race then this is a great bike. I don't really think it would suit a performance xc racer but would be OK for the odd race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Grant
a Weekend Warrior
from Petaluma, CA, USA BABY!! Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
givetolive@comcast.net
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
Eden Bicycles
Strengths:
Dude, this thing climbs like a frickin Billy Goat brah! I am a six foot 230 pound ball of fat and this thing hauls me and the fat right up the mountain. XTR - XT - RACE FACE - KENDA - CROSSMAX - Wicked Looks
Weaknesses:
Mine didn't come with the auto-clean feature.
Similar Products Used:
Frankenbike - Marin Alpine Trail with assorted mixed up stuff that just happened to fit.
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant Trance XO, I did have to change the seat or as you serious freaks call it SADDLE, the stock one is a bit hard on my narrow buttox
Bottom Line:
For a bike right off the rack this one is the BIG BANG for the buck. I demoed the Trance X1 and was going to buy it but they didn't have my size so I had to buy the XO because they had my size and I am REALLY happy I did. This is one kickass bike, any bike that can make me feel skinny is worth 3K in my book!! For real if you can find one buy it, you'll be happy you spent the extra grand. Way to go GIANT!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Ralph
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson, NV, USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bootleg Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
JT Bicycles
Strengths:
This bike is AWESOME. Got it today and took it straight out to Bootleg for some crazy climbs and downhill. Climbs VERY nice and wow is it smooth on the decent. So sweet. Great components and really light weight for 5 inch's of travel. The new '08 frames from GIANT are so cool and look as good as they ride.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock everything, which is sweet. I LOVE the shocks and the Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. GIANT has completely redefined what I used to think. Not to mention after the X1 won trail bike of the year, you can't get your hands on these babies that easily. The X1, X2 and many of the Trance 1, and 2's are back ordered into '09. If you find one, grab it. It's SO worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge
a Weekend Warrior
from Bratislava, Slovakia Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At:
Libike bike store
Strengths:
- very smooth on downhills - climbs as HT with pro-pedal on - good for all day trips as well as some AM fun riding - super bike for long trips with great potential
Weaknesses:
- bars could be wider (RF nextSL carbon lowriser) - I think also the stock ones could be little wider - the cranks could be better on stock model in my opinion - no other so far - great bike
Similar Products Used:
none, my first F/S bike
Bike Setup:
Trance X frame (black) with FoxRP23, Fox 32 TALAS fork, XT 04 cranks, XT FD, XTR RD, XT shifters, XT cassette, XT 04 hubs on DT 4.2d rims, XT 04 brakes 180/160mm, NN tyres, RF Deus stem (100mm), RF NextSL lowriser bar, Thomson Elite setback seatpost, Fizik Gobi seat.
Bottom Line:
I actually don't own the stock model Trance XO but is very similar to it in the components. I just bought a frame and used some of my old components (brakes, cranks, pedals etc..) and the overall price is a bit (just a little) higher than the stock bike in my region. The bike feels like great all rounder, climbs as HT, very smooth on downhills, perfect for trail riding. TALAS is a great way to make it more AM on downhills with 140mm travel (but it also brings more weight with it - almost 300g to the stock fork). Other components are pretty much the same quality. I chose the 100mm stem and I am pretty satisfied with that (I firstly wanted 90mm but wasnt available at the time) - 'cause the long stem was the most criticized part in tests. 100mm is the right choice for me as I ride a lot of XC. My weight isn't as good as the XO model - mine is 12,75kg. I think its because of the fork (+300g), brakes (XT 04 might be heavy but I won't change them till they're dead as I'm so satisfied with 'em) and especially the wheels, but I'm waiting for Hope Pro 3 straigh pulls on DT 4.2Ds with super comp spokes which will be even ligter than the stock STs (and will make my bike half a kilo ligter). So the bike is great and I'm very satisfied with it. I'll give it also 5 chillis for value as the frameset was at very good price compared to other alternatives.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AS
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
-awesome spec -light bike -great pedaling platform -stiff
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I picked up the new XO in late 2007 and have over 100 miles of aggresive XC riding on it. The bike is awesome and feels so nice. I'm 200lbs and ride this thing like my freeride bike. The pivots are still tight and the wheels are perfectly straight. It replaced my '07 Intense 6.6 so I am comparing it to the best. This Giant Trance XO rips smooth single track but rides awesome in the rough. Think of it as a light-weight all-mountain bike. You won't regret this purchase for a second.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Anderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chiquita Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheels One Planet
Strengths:
Value: for the spec, you can't beat it. Peformance: Maestro rocks and the Fox fork sucks up everything without any loss of control or comfort; Weight: Mine is 26.5 pounds but rides like a rig 5-6 pounds heavier on downhills and 3 pounds lighter on climbs; Looks: The silver anodized finish and frame is sweet! I get a lot of looks on the trails; there's nothing that looks like it.
Weaknesses:
Kenda tires, while grippy, are slow rolling.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpy.
Bike Setup:
Standard XO spec except for XTR cranks, XTR shifters and XTR Front derailleur.
Bottom Line:
This is my all mountain member of my bike collection. I have an 06 Anthem that I love but wanted something sturdier and more comfortable on the rough and technical singletrack I frequent. I've had my XO for 4 months and the only complaint I have is that I can't find time to ride it enough. It is amazingly fast on the climbs yet will plow through the toughest and roughest downhills around with ease. I paid more than I originally planned but don't regret it for a minute. The XTR upgrades make this the most complete bike around for the price. It is an absolute joy to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Bianchi
a Weekend Warrior
from Melb, Vic, Australia Date Reviewed: January 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
you yangs, king lake, lyster feild lake, Mt Dissapointment
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
riden at GoldCross cycles Epping
Strengths:
light weight (the guys and i at work weighed it and it came to 11.50 kg with out pedals), the components used on the bike are really good, good bang for your buck. fork is excellent for a 120 mm travel fork.
Weaknesses:
could go for a better crank. It comes whith a race face deus xc crank. could upgrade to a shimano XT or XTR crank to complement the XT front derailleur and XT rapid fire shifters well.
Similar Products Used:
08 reign 0, 07 trance 0, santa cruz heckler, blur LT and XC
Bike Setup:
fox 32 F120 RLC fork,avid juicy 7's, XT rapid fire shifters, race face xc low riser bars, race face xc stem(110mm),FSA orbit integated head set (carbon), fox RP23 rear shock, Sell Itallia SLR gel seat, giant lock-on grips, Race Face deus XC cranks (22x32x44T), XT front derailleur, XTR long cage rear derailleur, Mavic Crossmax ST UST wheel set, michelin XCR all terra folding tyres 2.0".
Bottom Line:
I work in a bike store so i see many great contending bikes. However, only a few are worth mentioning. when i am not working i do trails, down hill, 4X, and a little bit of enduro and cross country riding. I am a very agressive rider so when the boss give me a bike to test i put the bike through alot. Any way thats enough about me!
The giant trance X0 is a great 5" travel bike that can be used for an number of different diciplines including trails, XC, enduro, and a little rough stuff. Weighing at approx 11.50 kg (without pedals) it is the perfect XC race bike.
The new style frame is unusual at first glance, however giant have excelled another level with their geometry. The new frame seats you in the centre of the bike like that of the Santa Cruz Frames. Therefore as i hopped on the bike i felt right at home. I find that this centering gives one much more control of the bike especialy in rough, fast, whinding and undulating terrain. Therefore i found it really easy to throw the bike around with confidence. Up hill the X0 is wonderfull, but when it comes to going down hill the fun never stops.
The components used on the bike are really good. The Fox F120 RLC fork is a master peice. It works really well in conjunction with the Fox RP23 rear shock. When going up hill, flick the fork to the lock out position and ride with no pedal bob. the fork works very well when going down hill as well. Under braking both front a rear suspensions work really well.
The drive train is explosive! the new XTR rear mech and front mech work really well and never miss a beat or a shift even when a branch picked a fight whith thr rear XTR derailleur. One thing that could be changed would be the 110mm stem. At times i felt streched out to far and had less controll in some rooty sections. I recomend purchasing a shorter stem. The wheel set are remarkebly good.
Over all even this is a short time riding the Trance X0 the bike is awsome and for only $4,295 AUD (aprox $4,100 USD) it is great value for money. I will ride it for a few more months for enduro events and cross country events and will update on what the go is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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